Steam? Eh, no thanks!

[BrianS]

Of everyone who reads this site, I'm probably the only sucker who is working on this beautiful bank holiday monday. So just for a while, I'll take some time and write a message here. As long as I'm hitting my keyboard, the boss reckons I'm working. (I was caught playing Asteroids last week though. DOH!!)

Anyway, I've noticed just how many carwash businesses are offering steam washes. I was visiting my folks on Saturday and while driving back across the city, I saw the usual queues at garages and Valet centres. Apart from the brush washes, there were one for two offering steam washes and I reckon there are more all around the city (or country for that matter). The thing is, steam washes are bad for a car and I can't understand why people who claim to be professionals at car care are offering this service.

The problem with using steam on a car surface is that it causes Thermal Stress to the paint. The most dangerous time to do this is when its cold. Your paint is given a given a quick blast of steam and the sudden change in temperature will cause it to weaken and crack at the point of impact. Even though in the summer, the change of temperature is not as great, paint shouldn't be reaching the temperature of steam. Ever.

Come to think of it, your glass could suffer as well. But I dont think the Irish climate would be cold enough to cause a windscreen to crack with steam. Any Scientists out there who could tell me?

I suppose its coming down to profit maximisation for these people. Service Stations use brush washes to maximise their profits. We know the dangers of the brushes but the detergents they use are none too good either. They want something that acts fast and gets you out so another car can go through. Steam is also a quick method of getting the car clean. You all know that its easier to wash dishes in hot water than cold. It lifts the dirt and grease off. Its the same principle with dishwashing machines, but some dishes can not be put in a dish washer due to the detergents. Automotive manufacturers should give the same warning with their cars.

There is a little redemption for Service Stations who offer a pressure wash, but I am forever wary of the brushes they have. There's one down the road from me - £1 for 3 mins, not too bad - but the brushes are left in the dirt by the previous user. They seem to use strong detergents as well, but it didn't give the brand. I just used the spray anyway - A crow dropped a bomb on my boot...yeuch!!


Oh well, enough ranting and raving. I'll go back to work now. Imagine getting triple-time for writing messages here. Still, I'd rather be walking on the beach than giving half to the taxman.

Take care out there!
B.

[Phil]

Fair enough, but if have to use a garage to get your car washed, which one should you use? Steam or Brushes?

[BrianS]

Hi Phil,

In a garage, with a pressure washer and brush, I usually put the brush on the ground, bristles facing up and give it a quick blast of the pressure hose to make sure there's no grit on it. They are just minor precautions that people take for granted.

Take Care,

B.

[Phil]

Good point Brian. Do you allow anyone else wash your car in the garage or do you always do it yourself?

So of the guys in those garages are like savages when it comes to washing cars. Do they understand that the whole point is to try and leave the paint on the car.

Ah well, thanks for the pointers.

[BrianS]

I usually do it myself but I've been thinking of training the missus to do it so I can watch TV instead....heh heh

(If she reads this, I'm dead)

[BeCos]

I would never use a brush on a car ......EVER !

Those power washers are fine once the pressure isn't too high and the water should be only warm !

I always bring my own sponge and chamois if I'm using one and I never let anyone else touch my car. 99% of the time I wash it myself and maybe once every 6 weeks I use my own power washer on it !

[Phil]

Hmmmmm,

What power washer do you have? Thinking of buying one myself so that I can spend more time drying and waxing the car.

Just on a similar subject, has anyone used the valet service in Durys street car park?

A friend of mine used it their last week and got a 'mini-valet' for thirty pounds and he said it was a great job. In his own words" the kind of thing you'd get done before selling the car. Wash & wax, all the glass inside and out, wheels blackened, alloys polished, dash and interior immaculate, really good job."

Are you taking your life into your own hands when handing your keys over to one of these crowds???

[BrianS]

It shouldn't be a problem. They've been in existence for a while now and in that biz, its word of mouth that gives them the most trade. We had a guy at our business premises who does a good job for the same price. I didn't have it done on my motor and I didn't see his work, but some of the folks here said he was good. I don't have a number but see http://www.callawash.com
He comes to you, so you don't have to lose your car on your day off. Getting it done in work is the easiest.

[Phil]

Sorry about the delay getting back to you BrianS. I'm been busy working on some new stuff for eForecourt. I'll give them a call, and if I use them I'll let you know.